X (formerly Twitter) has removed nearly 4,000 accounts from its creator revenue share programme in a single day, according to an announcement by the platform's head of product, Nikita Bier, on July 16, 2026. The crackdown targets two major violations: engagement solicitation and content theft, with the platform's AI tool Grok now automating detection and enforcement.
Engagement Solicitation Crackdown
Bier explained that creators who ask followers for likes, replies, or follows in exchange for reciprocal actions will face immediate removal from the monetisation programme. Accounts flagged three or more times are forwarded to X's policy team for possible suspension. A grace period was granted for creators who solicited engagements on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday of that week to celebrate a recent algorithm change, as Bier acknowledged many did so without realising it violated programme rules.
Content Theft Detection and Penalties
The second change targets content theft, with X's updated detection model identifying 1.5 million posts classified as stolen during the latest cycle—a rate three times higher than the previous system. The platform now flags duplicated content even when creators attempt to disguise it by adding watermarks, introductory clips, or minor edits. In such cases, any monetised impressions earned from the post are redirected to the original creator rather than the person who copied it. Bier noted that even viral text posts are being caught, citing one commonly recycled line as an example. Creators found to intentionally or repeatedly bypass these rules face removal from the programme entirely.
Financial Impact and Redistribution
With the two changes combined, Bier stated that more than $1 million (approximately N1.3 billion) would be returned to original content creators. The crackdown means funds previously diverted to accounts violating rules will now support genuine creators.
Nigerian Reactions
The announcement drew swift reactions from Nigerian users. @mezie_kingpin commented: "Thank God say no be X dey feed me o. If not I for dey shake for this una weekly rules." @Kachi077 said: "Big accounts stealing post from small accounts without appreciating our efforts....Una don hear am?...This matter go long." @TosinOlugbenga asked: "Hi Nikita. What of those that screenshot other people's tweets and post as theirs?"
Context and Related News
In a related story, Legit.ng reported that a man had received a multi-million naira alert from X. Additionally, a Nigerian lady celebrated getting her first payment from X after monetising her account in just 18 days, displaying the exact amount she was paid.
